The term "deafmute" refers to an individual who has profound hearing loss or is completely unable to hear, resulting in their inability to effectively use speech to communicate with others. Often, this condition is present from birth or acquired at an early age due to various factors such as genetic disorders, illness, injuries, or prolonged exposure to loud sounds. As a compound word, "deafmute" combines two distinct elements: "deaf" indicating the lack of hearing ability and "mute" denoting the absence or severe impairment of speech capability.

Deafmutism, as the condition is also referred to, leads to individuals relying on alternate means of communication such as sign language, gesturing, lip-reading, or writing to express their thoughts and understand others. It is crucial to note that the term "deafmute" has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its tendency to stigmatize and marginalize individuals with hearing impairments. A more inclusive and respectful term to be used is "deaf" or "hard of hearing," which emphasizes their primary mode of communication and acknowledges their unique identity and culture.

Understanding and accommodating the needs of deaf individuals is essential for fostering inclusivity, granting equal opportunities, and promoting effective communication between deaf and hearing individuals.